Overall, the best MERV rating for a home is between 8 and 10. These filters will capture a large part of the particles in the air and improve indoor air quality without causing your energy costs to increase significantly. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too tall for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without affecting airflow.
Meanwhile, air filters with a MERV 14 rating or higher are designed for commercial HVAC systems that can handle the coarsest filter material. When it comes to selecting an air filter for your home, striking a balance between maximum efficiency and comfort is key. Our recommended MERV rating for oven filters ranges from 6 to 8, offering a good balance between air filtration, airflow and affordability. A MERV rating of between 6 and 13 generally meets the needs of most residences, and if you select an air filter with a MERV 13 rating, it can last up to six months before you need to replace it.
Choosing the right MERV rating for your oven filter has a big impact on indoor air quality, your HVAC system, and most importantly, the well-being of your family. If someone has an allergy or respiratory problem, choose a MERV 11 air filter or even a MERV 13 air filter. The MERV rating is there to tell you how efficient the air filter is at filtering particles of certain sizes. Filter technology has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, and MERV ratings are designed to help us determine the most effective and efficient air filter options for heating and cooling systems and more.
While MERV 8 air filters are very common because they are quite a complete option, they may not be the best choice for everyone. On the other hand, MERV 11 and MERV 13 filters can provide better filtration while still being affordable. It's important to remember that there are always other options available to improve indoor air quality if your system can't handle the MERV ratings you need. For example, MERV 17 to MERV 20 filters are explicitly used in an industrial or scientific application, such as surgical operating rooms, cleanrooms and other applications that require absolute cleanliness.
Choosing the right MERV rating is an important decision in terms of total cost, air quality, and product durability. Using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high is just as bad as using one that is too low. We can advise you on what system and what MERV ratings you need to provide the best quality air for your family.
